Liverpool boss Dalglish backs Carroll

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish said he was satisfied with Andy Carroll's fitness on Thursday following criticism of the striker's lifestyle by England manager Fabio Capello.

Capello raised eyebrows earlier this week after telling reporters Carroll needed to "drink less" if he wanted to be a successful footballer.

However Dalglish shrugged off Capello's comments on Thursday, saying he was satisfied with the fitness of Carroll, who became the most expensive English player in history when he joined the club for £35 million in January.

"As we've said before Andy was not properly fit last season because of a knee injury but we have been pleased with his level of fitness this season because he has lost that injury," Dalglish told reporters.

"I think Andy is very appreciative of advice from anyone who has a good standing in football.

"I think he appreciates Capello's advice because he has great respect for Fabio and Fabio has great respect for Andy."

Capello is a keen admirer of Carroll but restricted him to only a few minutes as a substitute in Tuesday's Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales. The 22-year-old failed to make the bench for last Friday's win over Bulgaria.

Capello said Carroll needed to be "careful" with his fitness after a summer where he was pictured partying in Barbados and at an English music festival.

"I don't know anything about his lifestyle. It is a private problem that I never spoke about," Carroll said.

"But if he wants to be a good player and a good sportsman, he needs to drink less than the others."